Protesters from New York to Moscow are planning demonstrations ahead of a verdict in the trial of Russian punk band Pussy Riot, who will learn Friday whether they will be sent to prison for holding an impromptu anti-government performance.

Their trial has earned world-wide attention, with three band members facing up to seven years in jail for staging a one-minute long unsanctioned "protest prayer" at Moscow's largest Orthodox cathedral in February. The three female band members took to the altar of the church and asked for Russia to be "set free" from Vladimir Putin.

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The case is an "incredible theatrical example of the lack of freedom of speech in Russia," said Daphne Carr, who is helping to organize the New York rally. "But, against the odds, people continue to try and express their opinion. They (Pussy Riot) have done the Russian people an incredible favor for shedding a spotlight on these issues," she told the Daily News.

Pussy Riot members, from left, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Maria Alekhina performed their "punk prayer" against Putin at Moscow's main cathedral. Putin has said that the punishment against them shouldn’t be too severe, but they are facing detention in a labor camp. (Misha Japaridze/AP)

Simultaneous "Free Pussy Riot" rallies are planned in 48 cities around the world Friday, including, Paris, London, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

In New York, a march will move from the Upper East Side to Times Square. And on Thursday, at least a thousand people are expected to turn out at The Breslin Bar in Manhattan's Ace Hotel for a public reading of courtroom statements by the three defendants - Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22; Maria Alyokhina, 24; and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30.

Human rights groups and western pop stars, from Madonna to Sting, have also spoken out in support of the Pussy Riot members, who have already been jailed for six months. Two of the women have young children.

Members of punk-group Pussy Riot Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (L), Yekaterina Samutsevich (R) and Maria Aliokhina (C) sit in a defendant's cage. The verdict on their trial for hooliganism is due Friday. (YURI KOCHETKOV/EPA)

Prosecutors have said the women deserve "isolation from society" and have called for their detention in a labor camp.